It’s that time of the year! Goldenrod is making its appearance 😀 Goldenrod: A Powerful Herb with Healing Benefits Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) is a vibrant yellow flowering plant often associated with late summer and early autumn fields. While sometimes mistaken as a cause of seasonal allergies (a reputation it doesn’t deserve—ragweed is the real culprit), goldenrod has a long history as a medicinal herb in traditional and folk medicine. Traditional Uses Historically, goldenrod has been used by Indigenous peoples and herbalists for a variety of ailments. Its most common applications include support for the urinary tract, treatment of wounds, and relief from inflammation. The plant contains compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and essential oils that contribute to its therapeutic effects. Health Benefits - Diuretic: Goldenrod helps flush out the urinary system, making it useful for urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, and general detoxification. - Anti-inflammatory: The herb may reduce inflammation in the body, offering relief for sore throats, arthritis, or skin irritations. - Antimicrobial: Goldenrod’s antibacterial and antifungal properties support its traditional use in treating wounds and infections. - Allergy Support: Ironically, goldenrod may help ease allergy symptoms due to its antihistamine-like effects. How It’s Used Goldenrod is most commonly consumed as a tea, tincture, or capsule. The aerial parts of the plant (leaves and flowers) are harvested when in bloom and dried for later use. It can also be applied topically in salves for sore muscles or skin issues. Safety and Considerations Goldenrod is generally safe for most people when used appropriately. However, those with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (like ragweed or daisies) should proceed with caution. People with kidney conditions or those taking diuretics should consult a healthcare provider before using goldenrod. Final Thoughts Far from being a mere roadside weed, goldenrod is a powerful herbal ally with a rich tradition of healing. Whether you're sipping it as a tea or using it topically, goldenrod offers natural support for wellness, especially during seasonal transitions

I live in Orange in Little Cypress area off highway 87. I have TONS of chocolate mint if anyone is wanting to pot up their own treasure.

We are in the heat of summer, but cooler weather will be here shortly and so will garlic planting season! Garlic takes a long time to mature, so if you are planning on growing some of your own, now is the time to order your cloves. Even if you don't grow garlic yourself, you should definitely have this herb in your tool box! Garlic isn’t just something you toss into spaghetti sauce for extra flavor—it’s one of the oldest medicinal plants in human history. This humble bulb has been used for thousands of years to fight off colds, heal wounds, and, if folklore is to be believed, keep everything from vampires to evil spirits at bay. The Medicinal Benefits of Garlic 1. Immune System Support Garlic is famous for helping the body fight off colds and infections. Modern research shows that allicin, the compound that gives garlic its strong smell, also gives it antimicrobial powers. Studies have found that people who regularly eat garlic may have fewer colds and recover faster when they do catch one. 2. Heart Health Regular garlic consumption can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The sulfur compounds in garlic appear to relax blood vessels and improve circulation—basically helping your heart work smarter, not harder. 3. Natural Antibiotic Before antibiotics were bottled and sold at the pharmacy, garlic was the go-to remedy for bacterial and fungal infections. Even today, it’s valued for its antimicrobial properties—something herbalists still take seriously. 4. Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant Garlic has been shown to help reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and chronic disease. 5. Blood Sugar Support Some studies suggest garlic may help regulate blood sugar levels, which is good news for people looking to support healthy metabolism. References: 1. Rahman, K. (2007). "Garlic and Cardiovascular Disease: A Critical Review." Journal of Nutrition, 137(3), 703S–705S. 2. Rivlin, R. S. (2001). "Historical Perspective on the Use of Garlic." Journal of Nutrition, 131(3s), 951S–954S. 3. Ankri, S., & Mirelman, D. (1999). "Antimicrobial properties of allicin from garlic." Microbes and Infection, 1(2), 125–129. 4. Banerjee, S. K., & Maulik, S. K. (2002). "Effect of garlic on cardiovascular disorders: a review." Nutrition Journal, 1, 4.

My favorite her, actually! They are renowned for benefiting the skin. Is anyone else growing roses?

After I taught a class at the farm, I started a tincture with comfrey, plantain, and mullein 😃